Tamil Nadu - Udhagamandalam   

Call to develop alternative roads in Ooty

Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Needs attention: The alternative road to Dodabetta from Bouta Hill near Udhagamandalam, which is in a state of neglect. —

Udhagamandalam: The need to be in a state of preparedness vis-À-vis infrastructural facilities for the ensuing summer tourist season and the rainy seasons has been emphasised by the senior member of the Udhagamandalam Municipal Council N.Chunchiah.

Speaking to The Hindu here on Thursday, he pointed out that if alternative roads were improved traffic congestion on roads leading to popular tourist spots like Dodabetta could be relieved.

Adverting to the Bouta hill- Pudhumund-Forest Gate road which connects Udhagamandalam with Dodabetta, he regretted that it was in an appalling condition.

Since it was in a state of neglect for several years it had not been thrown open to traffic. If the condition of the road was improved it would become an ideal alternative.

The frequent traffic jams that occur on the main Ooty-Kodappamund-Dodabetta road can be prevented.

Stating that the alternative road would also benefit the people residing in hundreds of villages which form part of panchayats like Thummanatty, Thuneri, Kagguchi and Kookal, Mr.Chunchiah said that representations in this regard have already been sent to the district and civic administrations.

The improvement of the Bouta hill-Pudhumund-Forest Gate road will automatically promote the Wood House view point near here.

If the potential of the view point was tapped a large number of tourists would flock to it.

Meanwhile many in the hospitality and travels trades hoped that the authorities concerned would have learnt lessons from the bitter experiences of the past and accord priority to getting alternative roads ready before the season.

They pointed out that since many of the important roads were narrow and many places were landslide prone, alternatives should be kept ready.

They lamented that while the number of vehicles had gone up significantly, improvements on the infrastructure front were not commensurate.

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